Jean-Pierre el-Rif, Certified Rolfer London and Richmond 0208 948 5159 jpelrif@hotmail.com Rolfing (originally named Structural Integration), is a comprehensive system of hands-on, connective tissue manipulation which releases both deep and superficial stress patterns in the human organism. The term "Rolfing" is derived from its originator Dr. Ida Rolf Ph.D. The goal of Rolfing is for the client to move and function with greater freedom, and effortlessly maintain a more upright, comfortable posture. Rolfing results in a feeling of fitness and wholeness. People who have been Rolfed stand and move with more surety, stability and less strain, breathe more easily and more deeply, move with more ease and grace, and tend to develop a wider range of self-expression. Often even after the first or second session they report positive changes not only in the comfort in their bodies but also in their outlook in life. Closely knit with the nervous system in every human (and mammal) body, the connective tissue network, or Fascial Net, unites the organism in a set of relationships that are characteristic of that particular individual. Rolfing practitioners work with the human structure and nervous system through this Fascial Net, in such a way that the various parts move and fit together in an improved relationship to one-another in the gravitational field which we are all subject to. The basic sequence of Rolfing generally consists of ten sessions (levels) through which a new structural order is established and developed in the body, along with a more efficient and natural movement pattern. The gravitational field of the earth is a force and a presence we are all subject to. Gravity is our constant companion and a primary influence and shaper of the body. From birth until death, gravity is always working on, with, or against us. It is a simple fact that most human beings are significantly out of alignment with gravity. All human bodies get pulled into unnatural positions which result in chronic patterns of tension, stress and pain; often predisposing us to negative emotional states and sometimes fostering psychological beliefs. Emotion leaves its imprint on the body and postural habits and limitations influence emotion. Patterns of mind and body become mutually sustaining and we can, in some regards, become rigid, inflexible and "set in our ways". Simply put, we function better when our bodies are aligned with the gravitational field of the earth. Much like a sculptor works with clay, a Rolfer works with the body's LIVING malleable myofascial system by lengthening and re-shaping the fascia, releasing restrictions that have created life-long patterns of bracing and tension. Over a series of ten or more sessions, both client and Rolfer work together to "lift" head, shoulder, thorax, pelvis and legs into vertical alignment. Chronic discomforts often disappear immediately or soon after the series is completed. A sense of lightness and internal rightness, along with more energy and greater mobility are very often the result. Treatments are offered in a series of ten sessions that are each approximately seventy to ninety minutes in length. Individual, non-series sessions are also available. jpelrif@hotmail.com 0208 948 5159 you can click on the above image to send an email or phone 0208 948 5159 £ Pricing and Hours of Operation: Basic 10 Rolfing Series Prices: A standard session is £95 in Richmond and lasts about an hour and ten minutes.  However, Session One (the intake session) lasts longer, about an hour and a half to an hour and forty-five minutes (sometimes lasting as long as two hours) but the fee in this case is still the same as a standard session.    Please note, this is my personal fee and session duration schedule. Session prices and session durations are individually determined by each Rolfer. To discuss booking and/or to make an enquiry: 020 8 948 5159 MY (usual) HOURS and DAYS   I offer sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays Session times beginning 9:15am until 5:30pm, with occasional exceptions after 5:30pm. Please note: on average I only see 2 to 4 clients in a day so it is advisable to at least be prepared to book a week in advance. I do get an occasional cancellation or postponement and therefore keep a waiting list. Cancellations and Postponements should be made a minimum of 12 but preferably 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. Thank you, and please feel free to phone or email with any further questions you may have. Jean-Pierre el-Rif, Certified Rolfer 0208 948 5159 jpelrif@hotmail.com In-depth Rolfing Article by Jean-Pierre el-Rif Published Nov. 2005 Worldwidehealth.com Rolfing Article by Jean-Pierre Published Dec 2007 Article about Jean-Pierre Nov. 2005 Article about Jean-Pierre April 2007 Article about Jean-Pierre Sept. 2005 Article De-Ageing the Body (Rolfing and Posture)- September 2003 Overview of the Rolfing "Ten Series" BASIC 10 SERIES This description gives a basic overview of the general goals of a Rolfing series. The basic series usually consists of ten sessions, sometimes more. Some individuals require variations in the sequence format to account for particular structural issues. Although a full series is desirable to work the whole body adequately enough to achieve lasting results, one can benefit from fewer sessions. SESSION ONE. To Free the breathing - to evoke a more balanced and efficient breathing pattern by working around the torso, ribs, shoulders, neck and head. Begin the process of mobilizing and horizontalizing the pelvis by working around the hip joint and legs. Start working with the clients specific structural issues or problems. This continues throughout the series. SESSION TWO. Work with feet, lower legs and knees to create a more stable base of support for the upper body. Straighten or enhance the spinal curves, as appropriate, by working in the lower, middle and upper back, and in the neck and head. SESSION THREE. Enhance front/back balance and continue working with the clients breathing pattern through work from the side surfaces of the legs, arms, torso, neck and head. Lengthen or release the back of the spine. SESSION FOUR. Begin working to establish a core of support in the legs, from the inner arches of the feet up the inside surfaces of the legs. Lengthen and ease the spinal curves. SESSION FIVE. Lengthen and soften the outer abdominal wall. Work in the tissues that line the front of the torso and pelvis to create a more balanced relationship between inner and outer structures. Connect legs to spine through the iliopsoas muscle. SESSION SIX. Free the back of the legs and pelvis. Establish more freedom of movement and resilience in the whole spine through work around the back of the pelvis, back, neck and head. SESSION SEVEN. Continue work with the upper back, shoulders and neck. Work with neck, cranium and facial structures. Balance the rhythms of cranial movement. SESSION EIGHT. Work with pelvic girdle and limbs to create better lower body integration and support for the upper body. Additional attention to individual problems. SESSION NINE. Work with the shoulder girdle and limbs to create better upper body integration and a more balanced relationship to the lower body. Additional attention to individual problems. SESSION TEN. Establish horizontal planes of support and movement from the feet up to the head. Additional attention to individual problems. OTHER POSSIBILITIES AN INTERMEDIATE OR ADVANCED SERIES If you've already had the basic ten sessions of Rolfing, but feel like you need more work, you may choose to do a set of 3-5 sessions of "post-ten" work. This can be a nice way to get back in touch with the freedom and new movement patterns you discovered in the earlier work. VISCERAL MANIPULATION. This is a MUCH GENTLER approach. I will do visceral work when someone has had major surgeries, injuries or infections, which can create adhesions that impair proper mobility and motility of the organs. Because the body tends to compensate and protect an organ in trouble, serious structural issues are often resolved by freeing the viscera. Jean-Pierre el-Rif, Certified Rolfer 0208 948 5159 Frequently Asked Questions How Does Rolfing Differ From Chiropractic or Osteopathy? Osteopathy and Chiropractic therapy tend to focus on spinal alignment and individual joints, and typically use high velocity thrusting methods. However, unless the tension and strain in the soft tissue is addressed and relieved, the bones will continue to be pulled out of alignment. Rolfing, on the other hand, involves slower sustained pressures and skillfuly applied pressures with movement that addresses the entire bed of soft tissue in which the bones are embedded. The goal is to achieve balanced tension which allows the bones to fall back into their proper relationships naturally. Does Rolfing Hurt? Short Answer: Sometimes, yes, quite often: no. Contrary to popular misconception, Rolfing is not necessarily painful. That's not to say there won't be some interesting moments! Open communication between us is the key to getting the release and the results you wish for. Depending upon the level and quality of tension stored in the tissue, sensations can vary from deep pressure, to relaxation and release, to a slight burning. Most people have a pleasurable feeling of release following the treatments as well as a feeling of lightness and rightness. Why Ten Sessions? Because the myofascial connective tissue network is continuous from head to toe, the tension in one area can directly affect very distant areas. A series of sessions is needed in order to adequately work the entire structure in a systematic and interwoven way and to achieve lasting changes. Also, each session 'builds on' the previous ones and generally gets progressively deeper. The depth needed to address the body's core can only happen in stages, as the body and the person progressively lets go of what we call 'bracing' and 'holding'. One or two sessions may sometimes need to be added to the standard basic series if the goals for a particular session have not been attained. How Often Should I Come? The sessions may be completed at a rate of one or two per week or they can be spread out over six months or so. I have found that about once a week or every other week is usually optimal, though skipping a couple weeks at some junctures is fine too. It is important to allow the body to integrate the work between sessions while keeping good continuity, so each session can build on and further the achievement of previous ones. Ten Sessions - Isn't That Expensive? Most people spend more on maintaining their automobile or on going to the cinema than they do on their own bodies! Rolfing should be seen as an investment in one's long-term health and well-being. I charge GBP 95 per session, lower rates are available for children and pre-teens. And I do offer a concession for retired persons and where otherwise appropriate. What Else Can I Expect? This is a working partnership. Each Rolfing session has particular structural goals and lasts about 50-70 minutes. We will talk about your goals and assess your structure and your movement patterns. Because I need to see your structure before, during, and after the session, the work is generally done in your underwear. This helps ensure better results. (If you are modest, running shorts and/or a sports bra are fine.) During the session, you will participate through movement, breathing, and focusing internal awareness. Between sessions you may feel ongoing shifts in balance and awareness. In addition to physical changes, it is not uncommon for clients to experience changes in their emotional life, generally leading to an improved sense of well-being. Does This Basic Series Eventually Need To Be Repeated? The Rolfing series does not need to be repeated. Many clients report continued improvements in posture and movement long after the series is completed. Between sessions and after a series, you are bringing your physical (and sometimes emotional) self to ahigher level of order and organization. Having said all that, maintainace is still a good idea. This can take many forms, from going to the gym to doing a short yoga routine a few times a week. Many clients do choose to come back for "post-ten" work on a particular issue, or a mini-series following an injury or particularly stressful times. And many people find that at some point they wish to return to Rolfing for a tune up, or intermediate or advanced work. After the basic Rolfing is completed, the body changes, and in time more subtle work is possible. Post-ten Rolfing sessions can be a great tune-up or another chance to work with a specific concern. What is the difference between Rolfing and Deep Tissue Massage? There are great differences between Rolfing and deep tissue massage. Chiefly, that Rolfing is not massage at all, though it may incorporate aspects of massage into itself. It consists more of Osteopathic, and Physio-therapeutic elements within a Bio-mechanical context. If you would like to know more, you can search/explore the Rolf Institiute's website on www.rolf.org, or I am happy to discuss by phone. Please feel free to contact me (preferably by phone) if you have further enquiries. I am not a great fan of extensive emailing as I find it to be very time-consuming especially when dealing with complex questions. Short enquiries however I do welcome on email. And if you leave your phone number, either I or my assistant will return your call. Best wishes, Jean-Pierre el-Rif 0208 948 5159 jpelrif at hotmail dot com --------------- Links ---------------- Rolf Institute: http://www.rolf.org UK Website: http://www.rolfinguk.co.uk European Rolfing Association: http://www.rolfing.com Published Articles Written by Jean-Pierre: http://www.positivehealth.com/article-abstract.php?articleid=1834 http://www.worldwidehealth.com/article.php?id=1198&categoryID=219 note: you may have to copy and paste the above URLs into a web browser to read the articles. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------